Written by: Phoebe
Visual by: CJ
Beginning November 15, the Department of Education has begun to implement its pilot face-to-face classes. This was the product of a joint proposal between DepEd and the Department of Health in order to initiate the gradual opening of schools in the Philippines. According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines was among two countries whose schools hadn't reopened yet. There had been talks and suggestions earlier on about the reopening of schools, however, citizens — especially parents — had raised their concerns on its effects with the possible spread of the virus, especially with the slow rollout of vaccines to the population right now.
Approved in September 2021, the initial goal was to include 100 public and 20 private schools in this program. The goal was for the program to begin just as the second quarter for most schools rolls in. A majority of the schools that were chosen for this pilot program come from Visayas and Mindanao, specifically in Regions 5-12, since these are minimal risk areas compared to Luzon and other regions and urban places, where both cases and risks are high. Among the regions that have the most schools chosen for the program are Cebu and Zamboanga del Sur.
The emphasis on a specific action plan was needed in order not only to reassure the population, but also to be prepared in any situation that might be faced in the midst of the pilot program. There were challenges that arose in the middle of the process, such as the fact that only 57% of DepEd’s personnel are vaccinated, which is a relatively low rate compared to the other government agencies. Vaccinated teaching personnel will be the only ones allowed to participate in the pilot program, so those who refuse to get vaccinated will have to go back to distance learning.
Initially, there were about 59 schools that were already approved by the Department of Health and deemed ready for this program. Later on, however, there were only 30 schools who pushed through. Schools who dropped out are not able to carry on with the initial plan, due to the lack of approval from local government units (LGUs) and parents. Benjo Basas, chairman of the Teachers' Dignity Coalition, states that it is difficult to convince parents about the program. He says that aside from students, school authorities, and teachers, the lack of confidence of parents on the program will make it very difficult for its implementation.
In total, the program will run for two months, testing out the combination of physical and online classes on students. DepEd’s goal is to be able to expand the program on March 7, ultimately allowing more schools to join in. Many are hopeful that this plan would be a successful run as it would encourage the possibility of more schools reopening soon as they have been shut down since March of last year. It is no secret that students and teachers alike have been struggling with distance learning, making the reopening of schools a very vital part of our society. Many students have and will continue to consider face-to-face learning to be more effective for them compared to remote learning, and studies do show this. The reopening of schools and running on face-to-face classes has been a very important step for many students nationwide as this significantly makes a difference with educational quality and equity.
Works Cited
Bonz Magsambol. “Limited Face-To-Face Classes in Schools to Start on November 15.” Rappler, Rappler, 6 Oct. 2021, www.rappler.com/nation/limited-face-to-face-classes-schools-start-november-15-2021. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
“DepEd: 30 Schools to Join Pilot Face-To-Face Classes.” Cnn, 2021, www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/10/19/DepEd-memo-opening-of-face-to-face-classes.html. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
“Pilot Run of Limited Face-To-Face Classes to Start Nov. 15.” Cnn, 2021, www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/10/6/pilot-run-face-to-face-november-15.html. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
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